Gibb River Rd: Lucinda, Ivy and Daisy Threlfall with parents Daryl and Rebecca on their Australian adventure last year.
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to take off around Australia? Children in tow, packed into a space the size of a small kitchen?
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Have you ever thought how magical an experience it would be?
Have you ever imagined visiting spectacular waterfalls and stunning beaches and swimming with whale sharks under the glistening sun?
And then you stop wondering about all the amazing things and start thinking about crocodiles, and more crocodiles and snakes, and then, like someone marking a red cross through your dreams, you say to yourself, “The children aren’t ready”.
Well, if you have, you’re not the only one.
For Bunbartha parents Rebecca and Daryl Threlfall, they had their reservations, too.
However, after noticing how well their children did through home-learning during the COVID-19 pandemic, they decided it was time to set off on the trip of a lifetime.
“We started telling everyone as soon as we decided to do it. That way, you can’t back out,” Mrs Threlfall said.
“We have always loved heading away camping on weekends, so it wasn’t that hard of a decision for us. Of course, you still have concerns, though.
“We had family that could stay in our home and look after our pets, and I had long service leave up my sleeve, and Daryl could work remotely if need be, so the date was set, and our planning began.”
The Threlfalls bought a four-wheel drive to pull their hybrid camper and boat off-road.
The set-up: The Threlfalls’ car, boat and camper at Exmouth, Western Australia.
They opted against purchasing a caravan and just made do with what they had.
“If it all went to shit, we would have just fixed it along the way,” Mrs Threlfall said.
The plan was to head towards South Australia and follow the country around to the west.
“The east coast is so accessible,” Mrs Threlfall said.
“We wanted to spend as much time in Western Australia as possible, and if we found a place we wanted to stay a bit longer, so be it.”
In January 2022, Mrs and Mrs Threlfall set off with their three daughters, Lucinda, 12, Ivy, 10, and Daisy, 8.
They had around one month on the road before stopping at a B&B for a brief break from the camper.
Mrs Threlfall said stopping once a month in a B&B allowed them to sit on a couch and catch up on washing and TV.
However, when the Threlfall family turned on the TV in their accommodation, they saw the breaking news of the Ukraine war unfolding.
“It was strange. We listened to the radio every day, but seeing it was a lot,” Mrs Threlfall said.
“It made us realise instantly how much we didn’t miss knowing what was happening in the world.”
From the south coast to the west coast and up to the top of Australia is where the Threlfalls spent most of their time over eight months, home-schooling the girls five days a week, four hours per day.
They were among the first families to cross into Western Australia when the border reopened.
“We loved WA and got up early every day and got the schoolwork done,” Mrs Threlfall said.
“Some days were an absolute nightmare getting it done, but the rest of the day was ours once it was.
“The girls loved swimming, collecting shells and just being outdoors, and whenever we came into a new park or farm stay, they would instantly make friends.
Scenic: Cape Le Grande, Lucky Bay, WA.
“For Daryl and I, just stopping and living a slower-paced life was so beneficial, and Daryl really got to connect with the girls in ways he didn’t usually get to due to work.”
According to Mrs Threlfall, there were plenty of work offers along the way, with many smaller towns looking for workers.
As the trip progressed, things Mrs Threlfall had initially been worried about fell further from her mind, and some of the best opportunities and adventures came from taking a risk.
“Horizontal Falls in Derby was a place we were told not to visit, but the people in the town were actually lovely and appreciated us being there and not hiding our kids away,” Mrs Threlfall said.
“Not once did we feel unsafe. The crocs, yes, but not from the people.”
After the family finished their time in the northern parts of the Northern Territory, some in remote communities, they headed back through the country’s centre and safely home.
Their top destinations included the crystal clear water in Esperance at Cape Le Grand National Park, which Mrs Threlfall said felt like another world.
Rottnest Island, swimming with whale sharks in Exmouth, the natural gorges on the Gibb River Rd and all it has to offer, and Nhulunbuy/Gove in north-east Arnhem Land.
Cute: A quokka at Rottnest Island.
Incredible: A whale shark spotted when diving at Ningaloo Reef, Exmouth.
Adventure: Gibb River Rd in the Kimberley region of Western Australia.
Mrs Threlfall’s advice for anyone considering a trip around Australia with children was uplifting. She even said not to worry about maxing out the credit card because you could always pay it back.
“Just do it. Take your time and don’t plan too much ahead because you never know who you will meet or what places you might find. WikiCamps will also become your best friend,” she said.
“Travelling forces you to be together as a family, and I know when our kids get older, they will appreciate the trip more than a toy they have forgotten about because the memories we made together will be with them forever.
“As soon as you return home, life goes back to normal immediately. Having kids is a reason to travel, not to stop.
“It was the best decision we have ever made, and it has changed us all for the better.”
Stunning: Waterfalls were among some of the Threlfalls’ favourite places to visit.
Up north: Nhulunbuy/Gove in north-east Arnhem Land.
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